Question : Problem: Why does External USB hard drive hava a USB B connector?

Are all USB connectors multidirectional? For example, if a piece of hardware, like an external USB Hard drive has a USB B connector is that any different than a USB A connector? The USB hard drive is actually a NAS server and also has a RJ45 port. I am trying to determine if the drive can be used as a dummy USB drive and the USB B connector is confusing me.

Also, my dell monitor has several USB A connectors and a USB B connector that connects to a USB A connector on the workstation. Why is the USB B connector used?

Why are some USB A ports labeled differently, Up and down I think or multi-link or something.

Sorry I can't be more clear.

Answer : Problem: Why does External USB hard drive hava a USB B connector?

it is the other connector for USB  you need a USB AB cable which has the a plug on one end to connect to your pc and the B plug on the other end to connect to the device

as for the monitor it seems to just be a standard hub which can be a place to plug in your USB devices once the USB AB cable is installed
HTH
cf101